Dance Class Etiquette
The 10 Golden Rules
By simply following these ‘ten golden rules’, everyone will have a great time and get the maximum benefit from their dance class or workshop.
1. Show respect for your teacher. In Eastern disciplines such as martial arts and yoga, the teacher is revered, worshipped and given great loyalty and respect.
2. Be on time. There is no excuse for being late. It disrupts other students and the teacher when someone arrives ten minutes late. You forego essential warm up stretches.
3. Be considerate of students around you. People learn at different rates and in different ways. Be patient with others who may not grasp the movement as quickly as you do.
4. Wear suitable attire. Avoid wearing too much jewelry, coins or costume accessories to dance class. Beginning students tend to do this a lot, because it is a fun opportunity to dress in costume.
5. Keep talking and giggling to a minimum. This is probably my most flexible rule. Part of the fun of dance class is the giggling and laughing which often occurs. I tend to encourage laughter during my weekly classes. After all, feeling good is one of the benefits of the dance. However, when I attend a workshop, I try to keep talking and giggling in check. Avoid talking to other students during class. Keep your attention focused on the workshop teacher.
6. Avoid being a know it all. yes, you have had another teacher somewhere who called that movement “The Washing Machine.” Your old teacher was the authority on the subject and now you are.
7. Take notes when sitting out of active participation. If for some reason, you absolutely can not continue the class -- you are too tired, too hungry, cramps, etc. -- by no means, leave. When students walk out the door, it shows a lack of respect for the teacher.
8. Let the teacher teach. If you are a teacher, under no circumstances should you voice an opinion in another teacher’s class, unless you are asked to do so. I know it is hard to resist helping the floundering girl next to you, but it is not your place. Let the teacher do the teaching. Button your lip!
9. Keep an open mind and do not complain. Be open to new ideas and possibilities. Try to focus on how your new teacher can expand your dance repertoire. Do not compare her to other teachers.
10. Watch the teacher’s performance or demonstration. If the teacher is kind enough to perform or demonstrate for the class, watch in silence. By giving teacher’s the respect they deserve - you get something back - your money’s worth.